HC seeks response on poor healthcare

BHUBANESWAR: A student’s letter on the dismal state of health infrastructure and facilities in the State on Wednesday moved Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court V Gopalagowda who has sought a response of the Government in this connection. Treating a letter petition filed by one DVN Murty, a student of the University Law College, Bhubaneswar, the Bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justice BN Mohapatra issued notice to the Health and Family Welfare Secretary to file its affidavit on the matter in two weeks.   The Bench has directed the government to furnish comprehensive details on the number of Government hospitals, dispensaries, including PHCs and CHCs, and their functioning. The response should include complete details on the hospital and health services infrastructure and facilities available with them. The additional standing counsel has also been directed to inform the court about the number of doctors employed in the State-run hospitals and medical institutions along with details on the vacancies and additional requirements. The reports should be submitted in two weeks. The petitioner stated that there had been serious violation of laws and guidelines pertaining to health services in the State. Every citizen in the country has the Fundamental Right to Life which includes Right to health care. But the Government hospitals are hamstrung by lack of adequate infrastructure for which the citizens are facing a lot of problems. There is shortage on every front, be it beds, equipment and machinery, power supply and doctors. Besides, most of the hospital buildings in the rural areas are in bad condition. They are functioning under duress without adequate number of doctors. Many of them even do not have a single doctor.  Indicating other aspects, the petitioner has appealed to the Court to direct the Government to take effective measures to improve the health services to such a level that it is accessible to all the citizens and will benefit them too.